10558332

Computationally Efficient Human-Computer Interface for Web Browser Tab User Interface Button

PublishedFebruary 11, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computer implemented method, comprising: causing display, on a computing device, of a web browser including at least one selectable user interface component selectable at least to cause display of a user interface tab associated with the web browser; detecting a predetermined selection type associated with the at least one selectable user interface component, the predetermined selection type comprising a hover of a user interface pointer over the selectable user interface component for at least a predetermined duration of time; causing display, on the computing device, of a user interface in response to detecting the predetermined selection type associated with the selectable user interface component, the user interface including at least one selectable link associated with a previously accessed webpage; detecting selection of the at least one selectable link associated with the previously accessed webpage; and in response to detecting selection of the at least one selectable link, causing display of the previously accessed webpage in a new user interface tab associated with the web browser.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to web browser user interface enhancements for improving navigation efficiency. The problem addressed is the need for quick access to previously visited webpages without requiring multiple manual steps or cluttering the browser interface. The solution involves a computer-implemented method that enhances browser tab functionality by detecting a hover gesture over a selectable user interface component, such as a tab or toolbar element, for a predetermined duration. Upon detecting this hover, the system displays a user interface containing selectable links to previously accessed webpages. When a user selects one of these links, the corresponding webpage is displayed in a new browser tab. This approach reduces the need for manual navigation through history menus or bookmarks, streamlining the browsing experience. The method ensures that the user interface appears only after a deliberate hover action, preventing accidental activations while maintaining quick access to frequently visited pages. The system dynamically updates the displayed links based on recent browsing activity, prioritizing relevant content for the user. This solution is particularly useful in environments where users frequently revisit specific pages and require efficient navigation tools.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the user interface is a drop-down user interface associated with the at least one selectable user interface component, the drop-down user interface including the at least one selectable link associated with the previously accessed webpage.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface enhancements for web browsers or similar applications, specifically improving navigation efficiency by providing quick access to previously visited webpages. The problem addressed is the inconvenience of manually re-entering URLs or searching through browsing history to revisit frequently accessed pages. The method involves displaying a drop-down user interface when a user interacts with a selectable component, such as a button or link, within the application. This drop-down interface includes at least one selectable link that corresponds to a webpage the user has previously accessed. The selectable link allows the user to directly navigate to the previously visited webpage with minimal interaction, reducing the steps required compared to traditional navigation methods. The drop-down interface may be triggered by hovering over, clicking, or otherwise selecting the associated user interface component. The invention may also include additional features, such as prioritizing links based on recency or frequency of access, or displaying multiple previously visited pages in the drop-down interface. The goal is to streamline navigation by reducing the cognitive and manual effort needed to return to frequently used webpages, thereby improving user experience and productivity.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer implemented method according to claim 2 , wherein the drop-down user interface includes a plurality of user interface sections, a first of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with the previously accessed webpage and a second of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with a previously accessed computer application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for enhancing user navigation in a graphical user interface (GUI) by providing a dynamic drop-down interface that organizes and displays selectable links to previously accessed webpages and computer applications. The method addresses the problem of inefficient navigation in digital environments, where users often struggle to quickly access recently used resources due to cluttered or disorganized interfaces. The drop-down user interface is triggered by a user action, such as hovering over or clicking a designated area, and presents multiple sections to categorize and display navigation options. The first section contains selectable links to previously accessed webpages, allowing users to revisit content without manual searching or typing URLs. The second section includes selectable links to previously accessed computer applications, enabling quick re-engagement with frequently used software. The method dynamically updates these sections based on user activity, ensuring relevance and reducing navigation time. By separating webpages and applications into distinct sections, the invention improves usability by reducing cognitive load and streamlining access to frequently used resources. The system may also prioritize links based on recency, frequency, or user preferences, further optimizing navigation efficiency. This approach is particularly useful in environments where users frequently switch between web content and applications, such as in productivity or research workflows.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer implemented method according to claim 3 , wherein the first of the plurality of user interface sections and the second of the plurality of user interface sections are visually separated from one another.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for enhancing user interface (UI) design by visually separating distinct sections within a display. The problem addressed is the lack of clear visual distinction between different functional areas in a UI, which can lead to user confusion and reduced efficiency. The method involves displaying a plurality of user interface sections on a screen, where each section serves a specific purpose, such as input fields, navigation menus, or informational displays. The key improvement is the visual separation of at least two of these sections to improve usability. This separation can be achieved through borders, spacing, color contrast, or other visual cues that make it immediately apparent to the user which section is being interacted with. The method ensures that users can quickly identify and navigate between different functional areas without ambiguity, thereby improving the overall user experience. This approach is particularly useful in applications where multiple interactive elements are present, such as dashboards, forms, or complex software interfaces. The visual separation helps reduce cognitive load and minimizes errors by clearly delineating boundaries between sections.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the user interface is a user interface window, the user interface window including the at least one selectable link associated with the previously accessed webpage.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for enhancing user navigation in a web browser by providing a user interface window that displays selectable links to previously accessed webpages. The method addresses the problem of users struggling to recall or locate previously visited webpages, which can disrupt workflow and productivity. The user interface window dynamically presents at least one selectable link corresponding to a webpage the user has previously accessed, allowing for quick and intuitive navigation back to those pages. The method ensures that the user interface window is easily accessible, such as through a dedicated button or menu option, and may include additional features like visual indicators or sorting options to prioritize frequently or recently visited pages. The system may also track user behavior to refine the selection of displayed links, improving relevance and efficiency. This approach streamlines navigation by reducing the need for manual searching or backtracking through browsing history, thereby enhancing user experience and productivity.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computer implemented method according to claim 5 , wherein the user interface window comprises a plurality of user interface sections, a first of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with the previously accessed webpage and a second of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with a previously accessed computer application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for enhancing user navigation by providing a user interface window that consolidates access to previously visited webpages and computer applications. The method addresses the problem of users struggling to locate recently accessed digital resources, which can disrupt workflow efficiency. The user interface window is designed to display multiple sections, each containing selectable links. One section presents links to previously accessed webpages, while another section provides links to previously used computer applications. This organization allows users to quickly revisit frequently or recently used resources without manually searching through browser history or application menus. The method ensures seamless navigation by dynamically updating the links based on user activity, improving productivity and reducing the time spent locating previously accessed digital content. The solution is particularly useful in environments where users frequently switch between webpages and applications, such as in professional or educational settings.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The computer implemented method according to claim 1 , wherein the previously accessed webpage is a recently accessed webpage.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing web browsing data involves tracking and retrieving recently accessed webpages to improve user experience. The method includes storing information about webpages a user has visited, with a focus on those accessed most recently. When a user requests to revisit a webpage, the system identifies the most recently accessed version of that webpage from the stored data. This allows the user to quickly return to the latest version of the webpage they were previously viewing, reducing the need to manually navigate or search for it again. The method enhances browsing efficiency by prioritizing recent activity, ensuring users can easily access their most recent interactions with a webpage. The system may also include additional features such as storing metadata about the webpage, such as timestamps or session details, to further refine the retrieval process. This approach is particularly useful in environments where users frequently switch between multiple webpages or need to revisit content quickly.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A computing device, comprising: a processor; a memory having computer-executable instructions stored thereupon which, when executed by the processor, cause the computing device to: cause display of a web browser including at least one selectable user interface component selectable at least to cause display of a user interface tab associated with the web browser; detect a predetermined selection type associated with the at least one selectable user interface component, the predetermined selection type comprising a hover of a user interface pointer over the selectable user interface component for at least a predetermined duration of time; cause display of a user interface in response to detecting the predetermined selection type associated with the selectable user interface component, the user interface including at least one selectable link associated with a webpage; detect selection of the at least one selectable link associated with the previously accessed webpage; and in response to detecting selection of the at least one selectable link, cause display of the previously accessed webpage in a new user interface tab associated with the web browser.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to web browser user interface enhancements for improving navigation efficiency. The problem addressed is the need for faster access to previously visited webpages without requiring multiple manual steps. The solution involves a computing device with a processor and memory executing instructions to display a web browser featuring selectable user interface components, such as tabs or buttons. When a user hovers a pointer over a selectable component for a predetermined duration, the system detects this hover as a specific selection type and displays a user interface containing links to previously accessed webpages. Upon selecting one of these links, the system opens the corresponding webpage in a new browser tab. This approach reduces the time and effort required to revisit frequently accessed pages by leveraging hover-based interactions to trigger contextual navigation options. The system dynamically responds to user input to streamline browsing workflows, particularly for users who frequently revisit specific pages. The invention aims to enhance productivity by minimizing manual navigation steps while maintaining intuitive interaction patterns.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The computer implemented method according to claim 8 , wherein the user interface is a drop-down user interface associated with the at least one selectable user interface component, the drop-down user interface including the at least one selectable link associated with the webpage.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to user interface design for webpages, specifically improving navigation efficiency by integrating selectable links within a drop-down interface. The problem addressed is the need for streamlined access to webpage content or functionality without cluttering the main interface. The solution involves a drop-down user interface triggered by a selectable component, such as a button or menu item. When activated, this drop-down displays one or more selectable links directly associated with the webpage, allowing users to navigate or perform actions with minimal interaction steps. The drop-down may include hierarchical or categorized links, enhancing usability by organizing related options. This approach reduces visual clutter on the main webpage while maintaining quick access to key functions or content. The method is implemented via computer software, ensuring dynamic and responsive behavior based on user input. The invention aims to improve user experience by balancing simplicity and functionality in web interfaces.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The computer implemented method according to claim 9 , wherein the drop-down user interface includes a plurality of user interface sections, a first of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with the webpage and a second of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with a computer application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for enhancing user navigation in a digital environment by providing an improved drop-down user interface. The method addresses the problem of inefficient navigation between webpages and computer applications, which often requires users to manually switch between different interfaces or search for specific links. The solution involves a drop-down user interface that consolidates navigation options into distinct sections, improving accessibility and reducing user effort. The drop-down interface includes multiple sections, with a first section displaying at least one selectable link associated with a webpage. This allows users to quickly access relevant web content without leaving their current interface. A second section of the drop-down interface includes at least one selectable link associated with a computer application, enabling seamless transitions between web-based and application-based tasks. The method ensures that users can navigate between different digital resources more efficiently by organizing links in a structured manner, reducing the need for repetitive searches or manual switching. This approach enhances user experience by streamlining navigation and minimizing disruptions during workflow.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The computer implemented method according to claim 10 , wherein the first of the plurality of user interface sections and the second of the plurality of user interface sections are visually separated from one another.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for displaying user interfaces with multiple sections, addressing the challenge of organizing and presenting information in a clear and visually distinct manner. The method involves generating a user interface that includes a plurality of user interface sections, where each section is visually separated from the others. This separation enhances readability and user interaction by preventing visual clutter and ensuring that different sections of the interface are easily distinguishable. The method may also involve dynamically adjusting the layout or content of these sections based on user input or system conditions, ensuring adaptability to different use cases. The visual separation can be achieved through borders, spacing, color differentiation, or other graphical elements that create a clear distinction between sections. This approach is particularly useful in applications where multiple pieces of information or functionalities need to be presented simultaneously, such as in dashboards, control panels, or multi-functional software interfaces. The invention improves user experience by reducing cognitive load and improving navigation efficiency.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The computer implemented method according to claim 8 , wherein the user interface is a user interface window, the user interface window including the at least one selectable link associated with the webpage.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method enhances user interaction with web content by dynamically generating and displaying a user interface window. This window includes at least one selectable link associated with a webpage, allowing users to access related content or perform actions without navigating away from the current page. The method involves detecting user input, such as hovering over or clicking on an element within the webpage, and in response, generating a user interface window that overlays or appears adjacent to the webpage. The window contains interactive elements, such as links, buttons, or menus, which are dynamically populated based on the context of the user's interaction. For example, if the user hovers over a product image, the window may display related products, purchase options, or additional details. The method ensures the window is positioned and sized to avoid obstructing the underlying webpage while remaining easily accessible. The system may also track user behavior to refine the content displayed in the window, improving relevance and usability. This approach streamlines navigation and reduces the need for multiple page reloads, enhancing the overall user experience.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The computer implemented method according to claim 12 , wherein the user interface window comprises a plurality of user interface sections, a first of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with the webpage and a second of the plurality of user interface sections including the at least one selectable link associated with a computer application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for displaying a user interface window that consolidates selectable links from both webpages and computer applications. The method addresses the problem of users having to navigate separately between web-based content and locally installed applications, which can be inefficient and disruptive to workflow. The user interface window is designed to present a unified view of these links, improving accessibility and reducing the need for users to switch between different interfaces. The user interface window includes multiple sections, with at least one section displaying selectable links associated with a webpage. Another section contains selectable links associated with a computer application. This segmentation allows users to quickly access both web-based and application-based resources from a single interface. The method ensures that the links are dynamically updated and presented in a way that enhances user experience by minimizing the need for manual navigation between different platforms. The invention aims to streamline access to digital resources, making it easier for users to interact with both online and offline content seamlessly.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The computer implemented method according to claim 8 , wherein the webpage is a recently accessed webpage or a suggested webpage.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method enhances user experience by dynamically adjusting webpage content based on user behavior and preferences. The method addresses the challenge of delivering personalized and relevant content to users in real-time, improving engagement and reducing irrelevant information. The method involves analyzing user interactions with a webpage to determine relevance and engagement metrics. These metrics are used to prioritize or deprioritize content elements within the webpage, such as articles, images, or advertisements. The system can also suggest alternative webpages based on the user's browsing history or predicted interests. The webpage being analyzed may be one that the user has recently accessed or a suggested webpage recommended by the system. By dynamically adjusting content visibility and relevance, the method ensures that users are presented with the most pertinent information, enhancing their browsing experience. The system may also track user feedback to refine content recommendations over time, further personalizing the experience. This approach is particularly useful in environments where user attention is limited, such as news aggregators, social media platforms, or e-commerce sites. The method leverages machine learning or statistical models to predict user preferences and optimize content delivery.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A computer implemented method, comprising: causing display, on a computing device, of a web browser including a tab page button, the tab page button selectable at least to cause display of a tab page associated with the web browser, the tab page configured to display web content; detecting a predetermined selection type associated with the tab page button, the predetermined selection type comprising a hover of a user interface pointer over the tab page button for at least a predetermined duration of time; causing display, on the computing device, of a user interface in response to detecting the predetermined selection type associated with the tab page button, the user interface including a visual representation for a recently accessed webpage; detecting selection of the at least one selectable link associated with the recently accessed webpage; and in response to detecting selection of the at least one selectable link, causing display of the recently accessed webpage in a new user interface tab associated with the web browser.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to web browser user interfaces, specifically improving navigation to recently accessed webpages. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of current methods for quickly accessing recently visited webpages, which often require multiple steps or navigating through a history menu. The solution provides a streamlined approach by displaying a user interface with visual representations of recently accessed webpages when a user hovers a pointer over a tab page button for a predetermined duration. This user interface includes selectable links corresponding to the recently accessed webpages. When a user selects one of these links, the corresponding webpage is displayed in a new browser tab. The method enhances user experience by reducing the steps needed to revisit frequently accessed content, making navigation faster and more intuitive. The system is implemented on a computing device running a web browser, ensuring compatibility with existing browser architectures. The invention focuses on improving accessibility to recent browsing history without disrupting the user's workflow, leveraging simple hover-based interactions to trigger the display of relevant options.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The computer implemented method according to claim 15 , wherein the user interface is a drop-down user interface being in close proximity to the tab page button.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing user interaction with tabbed interfaces in software applications addresses the problem of inefficient navigation and cluttered displays in multi-tab environments. The invention provides a dynamic user interface element that appears in close proximity to a tab page button when a user interacts with it, such as by hovering or clicking. This interface element is a drop-down menu that presents additional options or actions related to the tab, such as closing, renaming, or duplicating the tab. The drop-down interface reduces the need for separate menu bars or toolbars, streamlining the user experience by keeping relevant controls near the tab itself. The system may also include features like contextual suggestions based on user behavior or application state, further improving efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in applications with numerous tabs, such as web browsers, document editors, or integrated development environments, where managing tabs can become cumbersome. By integrating the drop-down interface directly with the tab button, the system minimizes visual clutter and reduces the time required to perform common tab-related actions.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The computer implemented method according to claim 15 , wherein the user interface is a user interface window, the user interface window including the visual representation for the recently accessed webpage.

Plain English Translation

A method for displaying recently accessed webpages in a user interface window involves presenting a visual representation of the webpage within the window. The method includes tracking user access to webpages, storing data about the accessed webpages, and generating a visual representation of each webpage based on the stored data. The visual representation may include a thumbnail image, a title, or other identifying information. When a user interacts with the user interface window, the visual representation of the recently accessed webpage is displayed, allowing the user to quickly access or revisit the webpage. The method may also include organizing the visual representations in a chronological or prioritized order based on user activity. The user interface window can be part of a web browser or a standalone application, providing a convenient way to manage and navigate recently accessed webpages. This approach improves user efficiency by reducing the need to manually search for or recall previously visited webpages.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer implemented method according to claim 15 , wherein the visual representation for the recently accessed webpage is a selectable thumbnail representation of the recently accessed webpage.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for managing and displaying recently accessed webpages in a web browser. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of traditional methods for accessing previously visited webpages, which often require manual navigation through browser history or bookmarks, leading to wasted time and reduced user productivity. The method involves generating a visual representation of recently accessed webpages, where each representation is a selectable thumbnail image of the webpage. These thumbnails are displayed in a user interface, allowing users to quickly identify and select a desired webpage by clicking on its thumbnail. The thumbnails are dynamically updated to reflect the most recently accessed webpages, ensuring that the most relevant content is readily available. The method may also include filtering or organizing the thumbnails based on criteria such as time of access, frequency of visits, or user-defined categories, further enhancing usability. The thumbnails may be generated by capturing a snapshot of the webpage at the time of access or by retrieving a stored thumbnail from a database. The method ensures that users can efficiently revisit webpages without navigating through lengthy history lists or manually searching for bookmarks.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

February 11, 2020

Inventors

Lauren Diana LO

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Cite as: Patentable. “COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERFACE FOR WEB BROWSER TAB USER INTERFACE BUTTON” (10558332). https://patentable.app/patents/10558332

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